Reversible door mounting arrangement for a timer assembly

ABSTRACT

A timer assembly housing is configured to include a number of features, including but not limited to a tortuous sealing lip, adjustable hinge assembly, removable backing plate, removable pin hinge, toggle switch, and a wiring lid. The timer assembly includes a weatherproof housing having a base with a series of sidewalls and a rear wall, the base sidewalls extending forward from the rear wall to an open front, a lid having a series of sidewalls and a front wall, the lid sidewalls extending forward from the front wall, and a timer assembly positioned within the base. The lid is selectively pivotably secured to the base along one of the base sidewalls.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/049,603, filed Oct. 9, 2013, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/711,953, filed Oct. 10, 2012, theentire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to timing devices used incommercial, industrial and residential applications, and moreparticularly, an enclosure for timing devices.

2. Background Art

Timers are used for a variety of applications and purposes throughoutcommercial, industrial and residential buildings. Timers provideautomated and adjustable control of electrical devices without having tobe physically present to operate the device. Timers may be used, forexample, to control pools, water heaters, lights, or any other suitableelectrical component. The timers may be electrically controlled ormechanically controlled, with the mechanical variety having severaltrippers which operate to turn on and off the electrical component atthe desired time. Since a timer is adjustable, the control mechanismsmust be accessible from wherever the timer is mounted. The timerenclosures are generally mounted to a wall or post nearby the electricaldevice they are meant to control.

The present invention seeks to improve upon the prior art by providing atimer with a weatherproof enclosure construction having a number ofdifferent features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a timer with aweatherproof timer enclosure. In particular, the present invention isdirected to a weatherproof timer assembly enclosure including, but notlimited to, a tortuous sealing lip, an adjustable hinge assembly, aremovable backing plate, a removable pin hinge, a toggle switch, and awiring lid.

In one embodiment, a weatherproof housing for a timer includes a basehaving a plurality of sidewalls and a rear wall, the base sidewallsextending forward from the rear wall to an open front, a lid having aplurality of sidewalls and a front wall, the lid sidewalls extendingrearward from the front wall, and a timer assembly positioned within thebase, wherein the lid is selectively pivotably secured to the base alongone of the base sidewalls.

In one aspect, the weatherproof housing base sidewalls may furtherinclude a hinge member on at least one base sidewall. The hinge membermay be at least two hinge members. Each of the at least two hingemembers may be positioned on parallel base sidewalls.

In another aspect, the weatherproof housing may further include areleasable locking tab on the lid to engage a locking slot in the base.The lid may be selectively removable along two parallel base sidewallsand the releasable locking tab may engage the locking slot in eitherorientation.

In another aspect, the weatherproof housing may further include areleasable locking tab on the base to engage a locking slot in the lid.

In another aspect, the lid may be removable and replaceable in at leasttwo different orientations.

In another aspect, the weatherproof housing may further include a wiringcavity in the base and a wiring cavity lid operable to enclose wiringbetween the base and the wiring cavity lid. A plurality of wiringterminals may be positioned within the wiring cavity and may beinaccessible when the wiring cavity is closed by the wiring cavity lid.The weatherproof housing may further include a switch which preventsoperation of the timer when the wiring cavity is open.

In another aspect, the weatherproof housing may further include at leastone removable pin connecting the base and the lid. The lid may becapable of being oriented on the base in at least two orientations.

In another aspect, the base may further include a removable insert, andthe removable insert may be the base rear wall. The insert may also bereplaceable.

In another aspect, the base sidewalls may further include a plurality ofremovable plugs in a plurality of apertures for receiving electricalwiring through the plurality of apertures. The removable plugs may beselectively replaceable.

In another aspect, the weatherproof housing may further include a leverextending through the lid and operating a user override power switch.

In another aspect, the timer assembly may be visible when the lid is ina closed position. The lid may be composed of a transparent material.

In another aspect, the weatherproof housing may further include aserpentine or tortuous path along a sealing point between the base andthe lid.

In yet another aspect, the base may further include at least two hingemembers, each of the at least two hinge members positioned on differentbase sidewalls, and wherein the lid further comprises at least one hingemember selectively securable to either of the at least two base hingemembers. One of the at least two base hinge members is a non-connectedhinge member and is not connected to the lid at least one hinge member,and wherein the non-connected hinge member is removable from the base.The lid is rotated 180 degrees to attach the lid to the base at theother of the at least two base hinge members.

In an alternative embodiment, a weatherproof housing includes a basehaving a plurality of sidewalls and a rear wall, the base sidewallsextending forward from the rear wall to an open front, a lid having aplurality of sidewalls and a front wall, the lid sidewalls extendingrearward from the front wall wherein the lid is selectively pivotablysecured to the base along one of the base sidewalls, a timer assemblypositioned within the base, and a wiring lid positioned in the base tolimit access to at least one portion of a base cavity between theplurality of base sidewalls wherein the wiring lid is selectivelypivotable to permit access to the at least one portion of the basecavity.

In one aspect, the wiring lid is pivotably secured to the base within awiring cavity for receiving electrical wiring therein. The wiring lidmay limit access to the wiring cavity when in a closed position, andpermits access to the wiring cavity when the lid is in an open position.

In another aspect, the wiring lid may further include at least onelatch.

In another aspect, the lid may further include a closure memberengageable with a hinge. The closure member may be selectivelyengageable with a hinge connecting member to maintain the lid in aclosed position.

In another aspect, the base further comprises a locking latch on the lidand a locking tab on the base.

Various other features, objects and advantages of the present inventionwill be apparent from the following detailed description taken togetherwith the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated forcarrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a weatherproof timer enclosure of thepresent invention showing a lid opened and selectively hinged on a leftside of a base, and a timer assembly installed therein;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure of FIG.1 showing the timer assembly removed;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure of FIG.1 showing the rear of the enclosure with the lid detached from the base;

FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of the weatherproof timer enclosure ofFIG. 1 with the lid closed;

FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of the weatherproof timer enclosure ofFIG. 1 with the lid closed;

FIG. 4C is a top plan view of the weatherproof timer enclosure of FIG. 1with the lid closed;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure of FIG.1 showing the lid opened and selectively hinged on a right side of thebase, and the timer assembly removed;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment showing aweatherproof timer enclosure in accordance with the present inventionwith a lid selectively hinged on a left side of a base, and a backingplate shown separated from the base;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure of FIG.6 with the backing plate coupled to the base and showing a plurality ofapertures for receiving wiring therethrough;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure of FIG.6 with the lid selectively hinged on a right side of the base, and thebacking plate coupled to the base;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of theweatherproof timer enclosure in accordance with the present inventionshowing the weatherproof timer enclosure with the lid removed and pinsexploded from their pin hinges;

FIG. 10A is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure ofFIG. 9 with the pins selectively inserted in the pin hinges on the leftside of the base;

FIG. 10B is an isometric view of a weatherproof timer enclosure of FIG.9 with the pins selectively inserted in the pin hinges on the right sideof the base;

FIG. 11A is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of theweatherproof timer enclosure in accordance with the present inventionshowing the weatherproof timer enclosure with a removable hingesubassembly attached to a long edge of the base;

FIG. 11B is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure ofFIG. 11A showing the removable hinge subassembly and lid removed andseparated from the base;

FIG. 11C is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure ofFIG. 11A with the removable hinge subassembly attached to a short edgeof the base;

FIG. 12A is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of theweatherproof timer enclosure in accordance with the present inventionshowing the weatherproof timer enclosure with an operable user overrideswitch accessible from an exterior of the lid;

FIG. 12B is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure ofFIG. 12A with the lid open;

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of theweatherproof timer enclosure in accordance with the present inventionshowing the weatherproof timer enclosure with a transparent lid;

FIG. 14A is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of theweatherproof timer enclosure in accordance with the present inventionshowing the weatherproof timer enclosure with a tortuous seal betweenthe base and the lid;

FIG. 14B is a side sectional view taken generally along line 14B-14B inFIG. 14A showing the tortuous seal between the base and the lid;

FIG. 14C is an enlarged partial view of the section labeled 14C in FIG.14B showing the tortuous seal;

FIG. 15A is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of theweatherproof timer enclosure in accordance with the present inventionshowing the weatherproof timer enclosure with a wiring lid removed fromthe base;

FIG. 15B is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure ofFIG. 15A with the wiring lid attached to the base and the wiring lidsubstantially open;

FIG. 15C is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure ofFIG. 15A with the wiring lid attached to the base and the wiring lid ina closed position;

FIG. 16A is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of theweatherproof timer enclosure in accordance with the present inventionshowing thea weatherproof timer enclosure with a lid open and a lockingtab unsecured;

FIG. 16B is a front elevation view of the weatherproof timer enclosureof FIG. 16A with the lid closed and the locking tab secured in thehinge;

FIG. 16C is a side elevation view of the weatherproof timer enclosure ofFIG. 16A with the lid closed and the locking tab secured in the hinge;

FIG. 17A is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of theweatherproof timer enclosure in accordance with the present inventionshowing the weatherproof timer enclosure having an alternative hingesubassembly and showing a lid open and hinged on a left side;

FIG. 17B is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure ofFIG. 17A with the lid open and a locking latch separated from a lockingtab;

FIG. 18A is an isometric view of the weatherproof timer enclosure ofFIG. 17A with the lid closed;

FIG. 18B is a front elevation view of the weatherproof timer enclosureof FIG. 18A with the lid closed and the locking latch secured to thelocking tab; and

FIG. 18C is a side elevation view of the weatherproof timer enclosure ofFIG. 18A with the lid closed and the locking latch secured to thelocking tab.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention relates to a weatherproof timer assembly enclosure havinga number of different features, which may be employed separately or invarious combinations or subcombinations.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a weatherproof timer enclosure 20 in accordancewith the present invention having a base 22 and a lid 24. The base 22includes a series of sidewalls, including a top side wall 26, a rightsidewall 28, a left sidewall 30, and a bottom sidewall 32. The basesidewalls 26, 28, 30, 32 extend forward from a back wall 34 and togetherat least partially define a base cavity 36. The lid 24 also includes aseries of sidewalls, including a top sidewall 38, a right sidewall 40, aleft sidewall 42, and a bottom sidewall 44. The lid sidewalls 38, 40,42, 44 extend from a lid front wall 46 and together at least partiallydefine a lid cavity 48. Both cavities 36 and 48 extend inwardly from anopen front between their respective sidewalls to the respective backwall 34 or front wall 46.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the base 22 may also include mounting tabs 50with mounting openings 52 therein to secure the base 22 to an objectsuch as a wall, post, or other suitable surface of virtually any size orshape. As seen in FIG. 1, a timer assembly 54 is positioned within thebase cavity 36 and may extend into the lid cavity 48. The timer assembly54 may include any variety of timer components, including any suitablemechanical timer or an electrical or electronic timer. Still further,mechanical timer mechanisms are not in any way limited to known timerassemblies and could also be removed and replaced within theweatherproof timer enclosure 20 as components wear out or are found tobe defective.

The base 22 may also include a first base closure tab 56, a first baseclosure tab opening 60, a second base closure tab 58, and a second baseclosure tab opening 62. The lid 24 includes a lid closure member 64 witha lid closure member protrusion 66 which is complementary shaped andaligned to fit within either the first base closure tab opening 60 orthe second base closure tab opening 62 depending on the orientationselected by the installer, as will be described. The base 22 alsoincludes a peripheral sealing lip 68, while the lid includes aperipheral sealing lip 70, with the sealing lips 68, 70 fitting togetherto limit and/or prevent liquid or other contaminants from entering theweatherproof enclosure. Further, either or both of the sealing lips 68and 70 may define a serpentine or tortuous path to assist in furtherlimiting liquids from penetrating the weatherproof enclosure.

The base 22 also includes a first hinge 72 on the right sidewall 28 anda second hinge 74 on the left sidewall 30. In one implementation, thebase hinges 72 and 74 are each positioned near a front surface of thecavity 36 and the peripheral sealing lip 68. Each of the hinges 72 and74 may consist of a plurality of hinge supports 76 and hinge connectingmembers 78, with the hinge connecting members 78 located betweenrespective hinge supports 76. The hinge supports 76 extend backwardstowards the adjacent sidewall and space each of the hinges outwardlyaway from the sidewalls. As can be seen in the drawings, there may betwo hinges, one hinge on the left side and one on the right side, but itis within the spirit and scope of the present invention to provide basehinges on the top and bottom sidewalls to provide similar functionality.Further, the first and second hinges 72 and 74, respectively, may beselectively removable from the respective sidewall by a twisting and/orpulling connection or may be permanently secured with a press fit orother suitable non-removable connection mechanism.

The lid 24 includes a lid hinge 80 having a hinge channel 82 and hingebreaks 84 within the channel 82. The hinge channel 82 is generallyU-shaped or semi-circular in shape with the breaks 84 positioned evenlyalong the length of the lid hinge 80. In one implementation, the lid 24includes at least one lid hinge 80 on a sidewall, but another lid hinge80 may be incorporated on two or more sidewalls. When only a single lidhinge 80 is incorporated, the lid hinge 80 is advantageously positionedto permit the lid hinge to selectively mate with either of the basehinges 72 or 74, and the lid 24 may be disconnected by theinstaller/user and reversed to connect to the base on the oppositesidewall.

Specifically, the hinge breaks 84 are aligned with the hinge supports 76and permit the hinge supports 76 to pass through the breaks 84, therebyallowing the lid 24 to pivot between open and closed positions. Further,the channel 82 at least partially surrounds the hinge connecting members78 and may be selectively connected to the base 22 at either base hinge72 or 74. The hinge channel 82 is complementary shaped to surround atleast a portion of the connecting members 78 and may be a similar sizeas the connecting members 78 such that the hinge channel 82 is slightlyflexible to secure the lid to the base while still permitting the lid torotate at the hinge connections.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-5, the base 22 and the lid 24 may be connectedat either of the hinges 72 or 74 with the lid hinge 80. Regardless ofwhich orientation of the weatherproof timer enclosure is selected, thelid closure member 64 and particularly the lid closure member protrusion66 are inserted into a corresponding base closure tab opening 60 or 62depending on the orientation. Thus, it is seen that a variety oforientations and arrangements may be utilized to provide a weatherprooftimer enclosure with user selected lid pivoting orientations.

The base 22 and lid 24 may be composed of any suitable material,including any plastic, metal, or other material and may be provided inany color, clear, or paintable. Although FIGS. 1-5 do not illustrateopenings for wiring to enter the base 22, a person of ordinary skill inthe art will immediately appreciate that holes or knockouts may belocated anywhere in the base 22 for receiving the wiring therein, in amanner as is known.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an alternative embodiment weatherproof timerenclosure 86 in accordance with the present invention having a base 22and a lid 24. In this version, the base 22 includes a top sidewall 92, aright sidewall 94, a left sidewall 96, and a bottom sidewall 98. Similarto the first embodiment, the base sidewalls extend forward to an openfront and define a cavity 88, in combination with a backing plate 100.As seen in FIG. 6, the backing plate 100 is shown separated from thebase 22. As seen in FIGS. 7-8, the backing plate 100 is removablysecured to the back side of the base sidewalls. The base 22 alsoincludes mounting tabs 50 with mounting apertures 52.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the base sidewalls 92, 94, 96, 98 and backingplate 100 include a series of wiring apertures 102 which may includeremovable plugs (not shown) that may include screw-like matingarrangements between the removable plugs and the apertures 102. Further,the wiring apertures 102 may include rubber grommets (not shown) orother suitable blocking structures which completely fill the apertures102 when a piece of wire is not present and also surround a wire whenpresent to prevent water or other contaminants from entering theweatherproof enclosure.

The backing plate 100 includes a series of exterior backing plate tabs106 which may be located at any suitable location on the backing plate,for example on the top edge, the right edge, the bottom edge, and theleft edge. The base 22 may include a series of interior support members108 within the cavity 88 to prevent the backing plate 100 from extendinginto the cavity 88. Further, interior support members 108 allow firmpositioning of the backing plate 100 between the exterior backing platetabs 106 and the interior support members 108. The support members 108may also define the support surfaces or walls 125 which function tolimit inward movement of the backing plate 100 within the cavity 88. Thebase 22 may also include a closure member 110 extending forwardly fromthe base 22 and having a closure member protrusion 112 for securing thelid 24 in a closed position. Specifically, the lid 24 includes a closuremember receiving slot 114 to receive the closure member 110 and theclosure member protrusion 112 to secure the lid 24 and the base 22 in aclosed position, while allowing the user to manipulate the closuremember protrusions 112 to permit opening of the lid 24 and access to thetimer assembly 54.

The base 22 and lid 24 may each include a locking member 116 with alocking member aperture 118 therein. In one implementation, the lockingmember apertures 118 of the base 22 and lid 24 align with one another toreceive a lock or other securing device (not shown) therein toselectively limit access to the timer assembly 54.

The exterior backing plate tabs 106 each include a backing plateprotrusion 120 for securing the backing plate 100 to the base 22 and abacking plate spacer 122 to position the protrusion 120 within a basebacking plate mount 90. In one aspect, the base backing plate mounts 90are positioned on the outside of the base sidewalls and allow backingplate protrusions 120 to slightly flex along the sidewalls duringinstallation and removal but remain generally flat once the protrusions120 are seated within the backing plate mounts 90. Further, the backingplate 100 is more easily removable since a user can simply separate thebacking plate tabs 106 from the base sidewalls and thereby remove theprotrusions 120 from the backing plate mounts 90. In another aspect, notshown, protrusions similar to the protrusion 120 may extend from thebase 22 and into mounts within the backing plate 100.

The backing plate 100 may also include a series of mounting apertures124 to secure the base 22 and backing plate 100 to an object such as awall or pole. In another implementation, the base 22 may also includemounting apertures (not shown) which align with the mounting apertures124 to ensure that both the base 22 and the backing plate 100 aresecured together. Similar to other implementations, the weatherproofenclosure 86 may include a sealing lip and any other suitable featuresdisclosed in other aspects and implementations herein. This embodimentalso contemplates attachment of the lid 24 on any side of the base 22,for example, on a left side (as seen in FIGS. 6-7) or a right side (asseen in FIG. 8) as desired. A person skilled in the art will immediatelyappreciate that a number of suitable changes may be incorporated asdisclosed herein.

In this embodiment, in which the backing plate 100 is formed separatelyfrom side walls 92, 94, 96, 98, there is a great deal of flexibility inthe manner in which the base 22 may be constructed. For example, anumber of different backing plates may be provided, each having, forexample, a different mounting configuration or a different number and/orpattern of knockout openings. Similarly, a number of different side wallassemblies may be provided, each having, for example, a differentlocation, number or configuration of knockout openings, hingeconfigurations, latching configurations, etc. The manufacturer or enduser may select and then connect together a certain one of the side wallassemblies with a certain one of the backing plates to provide a base 22having a desired construction and configuration.

FIGS. 9-10B illustrate another implementation of a weatherproof timerenclosure 126 in accordance with the present invention having aremovable pin hinge feature. Specifically, the base 22 includes a pairof base pin hinges 128, each having a base hinge aperture or passage 130extending therethrough. The lid 24 also includes a pair of lid hinges132, each having a lid hinge aperture or passage 134 extendingtherethrough. A pair of hinge pins 136 are arranged to extend though theselected passages to selectively determine which direction the lid 24pivots (depending on which side of the base 22 and lid 24 are hinged orpinned together). For example, if the base 22 and lid 24 are pinned onthe right side, the lid 24 will open from the left to the right, whileif the base 22 and lid 24 are pinned on the left side, the lid 24 willopen from the right to the left. Similarly, this implementation can beincorporated to be on a top and bottom of the base 22 and lid 24 toprovide a pin hinge arrangement which opens from the bottom upwards orfrom the top downwards.

Each pin 136 may include a pin shaft 138, a pin lock 140, and a pin head142. The pin head 142 may be positioned generally opposite the pin lock140. The pin lock 140 may be any suitable lock and in one implementationit is a pair of legs with a gap therebetween to selectively secure thepins 136 within hinge passages as desired.

As can be specifically seen in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a number of suitablearrangements may be created to allow the enclosure to open in a selecteddirection to fit restricted access spaces, such as in a corner or nearother objects. Still further, the pin lock 140 may be oriented to permitthe user to selectively remove the pins and re-orient the lid and basepositioning. Finally, the unused pin hinges 128, 132 on the base 22 andlid 24, respectively, may be removed to further streamline the enclosureafter installation. In yet another implementation, the removed pinhinges 128, 132 may be discarded or reinstalled to reorient the lidopening direction.

Still referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the pin hinges 128 of the base 22may each be positioned to be inward of the pin hinges 132 of the lid 24.In other words, the pin hinges 128 may be positioned closer to avertical centerline of the base 22 than pin hinges 132 of the lid 24 inone implementation. Further, since there are two sets of pin hinges 132on each side and two sets of pin hinges 128 on each side, the pin hingesare preferably offset from one another so that they can freely andeasily open and close. While the present implementations are shown anddescribed with the pin hinges 128 inward of pin hinges 132, theorientation and arrangement may be reversed so that the pin hinges 128are outward of pin hinges 132 without departing from the spirit andscope of the present disclosure.

As in the previous implementation, the base 22 may also include aclosure member 110 extending forwardly from the base 22 and having aclosure member protrusion 112 for securing the lid 24 in a closedposition. The lid 24 includes a closure member receiving slot 114 toreceive the closure member 110 and the closure member protrusion 112 tosecure the lid 24 and base 22 in a closed position, while allowing theuser to manipulate the closure member protrusions 112 to permit openingof the lid 24 and access to the timer assembly 54. The base 22 and lid24 may each include a locking member 116 with a locking member aperture118 therein.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C illustrate another aspect of a weatherprooftimer enclosure 144 in accordance with the present invention having abase 22 and lid 24 which may both be composed of plastic, sheet metal orany other suitable thin material. The lid 24 includes an adjustablehinge sub-assembly 146 to connect the base 22 and the lid 24.Specifically, the hinge sub-assembly 146 may include a first connectingmember 148 and a second connecting member 150 pivotably connected atpivot member 152. Each of the first and second connecting members 148,150 includes a pair of apertures 154 for receiving the mounting screws156 therein. The mounting screws 156 extend through the apertures 154and into threaded holes 158 in the base 22. The threaded holes 158 maybe located in all of the base sidewalls so that the installer canselectively attach the hinge sub-assembly 146 to any of the basesidewalls to permit the lid 24 to selectively pivot in any direction.Similarly, the installer will attach the hinge sub-assembly 146 to thelid 24 by positioning the mounting screws 156 into the appropriate lidthreaded holes 158. It is contemplated that the hinge sub-assembly 146may be attached to a long edge of base 22 (as seen in FIGS. 11A and 11B)or a short edge of base 22 (as seen in FIG. 11C) as desired.

The remaining operation and features of the weatherproof timer enclosure144 remain the same and any suitable features from other aspects andimplementations may be incorporated without departing from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure. For example, the hinge sub-assembly146 may be secured to the base 22 and lid 24 with any suitable mechanismor connection arrangement, including but not limited to screws, bolts,clips, springs, rings, magnets, adhesive and tabs.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a weatherproof timer enclosure 160 inaccordance with the present invention having a toggle switch 162operable from outside the lid 24. As seen in FIG. 12A, the toggle switch162 is movable in the direction associated with arrow 164 to turn thetimer assembly 54 on, and movable in the direction associated with arrow166 to turn the timer assembly 54 off. As seen in FIG. 12B, the toggleswitch 162 extends through an opening in the lid 24 and may be sealedalong the lid 24 to prevent water and debris from entering the enclosure160 when the lid 24 is closed.

The toggle switch 162 may operate the manual override switch, wherebythe user may flip the toggle switch 162 to operate the manual overrideswitch. In the same way, when the timer assembly 54 operates, the toggleswitch 162 may move to the on or off position, as appropriate, and theuser can visually determine if the timer assembly 54 is in the on or offposition without opening the lid 24 or exposing the timer assembly.

The remaining components of the weatherproof timer enclosure 160 aresimilar to the other aspects and implementations disclosed and anysuitable features or arrangements of previous aspects andimplementations may be incorporated without departing from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure. For example, the selectable hingeassembly of FIGS. 1-5 is shown incorporated and the lid may be orientedto open in any suitable direction.

FIG. 12B further illustrates the enclosure 160 and particularly thetoggle switch 162 connected to a switch fork 163. The switch fork 163includes a pair of actuating legs 165 with a receiving opening 167arranged to receive the user manual override switch 169 of the timerassembly 54 therein. Specifically, the user manual override switch 169is rotatable with the switch fork 163 at the actuating legs 165. Thus,when switch fork 163 rotates, the respective actuating legs 165 contactthe user manual override switch 169 to move the switch 169 to the on oroff position as appropriate. Finally, when the toggle switch 162 ismoved towards the on or off position outside of lid 24, the user manualoverride switch 169 also contacts the actuating legs 165. In the samemanner, when toggle switch 162 is operated, the switch fork 163 rotatesand contacts user manual override switch 169 to operate the timerassembly 54.

FIG. 13 illustrates a weatherproof timer enclosure 168 in accordancewith the present invention having a base 22 and a lid 170 with timerassembly 54 therein. In one implementation, the lid 170 is generallyclear, translucent or transparent to provide visual access to the timerassembly 54. In one implementation, all of the lid 170 is composed of atransparent material, such as plastic. In another implementation, only aportion of the lid 170 is composed of a transparent material and theremaining portions of the lid are metal or any other non-transparentmaterial, as shown. Still further, the non-transparent sections may beplastic, sheet metal, or any other suitable material.

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate a weatherproof timer enclosure 172 inaccordance with the present invention having a base 22 and a lid 24. Thebase 22 includes a base sealing lip 68 and the lid 24 includes a lidscaling lip 70. The base sealing lip 68 may be formed so as to define abase serpentine or tortuous path 174 forming a generally U-shapedportion and the lid sealing lip 70 may be formed so as to define also alid serpentine or tortuous path 176 also having a generally U-shapedportion. In one aspect, the tortuous paths 174 and 176 are positionedoffset from one another such that the lid tortuous path 176 fits withinthe base tortuous path 174 or vice versa. Still further, a compressibleseal composed of foam, rubber, or a similar gasket style or otherresilient sealing material may be incorporated between the two tortuouspaths and provide additional sealing for the weatherproof timerenclosure 172. A person of skill in the art will readily recognize thatit may not be necessary to incorporate a gasket or seal between the base22 and the lid 24 if a tortuous path is incorporated, but may still beutilized. Finally, the tortuous paths 174 and 176 may extend completelyaround each of the base and lid and operate complimentary to one anotherregardless of the lid pivot orientation selected, whether the lid pivotsfrom the left, right, top, or bottom.

FIGS. 15A-C illustrate a weatherproof timer enclosure 178 in accordancewith the present invention having a base 22 and a lid 24. The timerassembly 54 is positioned at least partially inside of the base 22 andmay include an ON tripper 180 and an OFF tripper 182 which function toturn the power supply through the timer assembly 54 on and off when theappropriate time is reached as known in the art. In one implementation,ON tripper 180 may be green, while OFF tripper 182 may be red tovisually indicate which tripper provides which function.

The base cavity 36 also includes wiring terminals 184 adjacent to thetimer assembly 54 that are used to connect the electrical wires thatcome into the timer assembly 54 with the electrical wires that come outof the timer assembly 54. The base 22 may also include a pair of pivotapertures or indentations 186 on an inside surface of the base 22 and apair of safety lock apertures or indentations 188 also positioned on aninside surface of the base 22. A wiring lid or cover 190 includes a pairof pivot mounts 192 having pivot pins or rods 194 which are arranged tofit within pivot indentations 186 of the base 22. The wiring lid 190includes a front wall 196 and a top wall 198 which work together tolimit or prevent access to a wiring cavity 200 below the wiringterminals 184. The wiring lid 190 also includes a pair of locks or tabs202 with locking protrusions 204 thereon.

During installation, the wiring is fed into the weatherproof timerenclosure 178 and appropriately connected to the timer assembly 54 atthe wiring terminals 184. The installer will then locate the wiring lid190 so that the pivot pins 194 are positioned within pivot indentations186 to allow the wiring lid 190 to pivot toward the installer anddownward to provide access to the wiring terminals 184 and the wiringcavity 200 or upwards to limit or prevent access to the live electricalwires therein. Alternatively, the wiring lid 190 may be installed duringinitial manufacture of the weatherproof timer enclosure 178. The wiringlid 190 is pivoted upwards until the locking protrusions 204 of thesafety locks 202 are positioned in the safety lock apertures 188, whichfunctions to enclose the wiring cavity 200 and the wiring terminals 184.The user or installer can then access the wiring cavity 200 and thewiring terminals 184 by compressing the safety locks 202 towards oneanother to pull the respective locking protrusions 204 out of the safetylock apertures 188 and permit pivotal movement of the wiring lid 190.Accordingly, the wiring lid 190 significantly reduces the risk ofinadvertently coming in contact with electrical wiring.

While FIGS. 15A-C only illustrate one implementation, the wiring lid 190may pivot in any direction, including upward, downward, left, or rightand may incorporate a keyed lock to further limit access to the wiringcavity 200. The wiring lid 190 may further pivot from any location onthe base 22, including at the base hinges 72 or 74 such that the wiringlid 190 still pivots independently of the lid 24. The wiring lid 190 mayalso pivot from a position inside of the base 22 or any position outsideof the base 22. Similar to previously discussed implementations, the lid24 may be selectively hinged to any one of the sides of the base 22, andthe base 22, lid 24, and wiring lid 190 may be composed of any suitablematerials, including plastics or metals. The particular objects andimplementations of the concepts disclosed herein may readily be modifiedby a person having ordinary skill in the art without departing from thespirit and scope of the disclosure to incorporate various bolts, screws,clips or other attachment mechanisms envisioned to secure the variouscomponents.

An another implementation, the lid 24 may be pivotably mounted to thebase 22 along a corner of both the base and lid such that the lid 24pivots at an angle instead of just vertically or just horizontally. Theconnection between the base 22 and the lid 24 may be configured suchthat the lid 24 is automatically closed by gravity regardless of themounting orientation. In yet another implementation, a spring may beincorporated within the hinge between the base 22 and the lid 24 orincorporated therebetween to bias the lid in the closed position.Accordingly, the lid 24 will snap back to the closed position and remainclosed until forcibly opened by a user.

FIGS. 16A through 16C illustrate another aspect of a weatherproof timerenclosure 206 in accordance with the present invention which mayincorporate any number of features and components from earlier describedaspects and implementations. The weatherproof timer enclosure 206includes a base 22 and a lid 24 with the base 22 having hinges 72 and74, each having hinge supports 76 and hinge connecting members 78between adjacent hinge supports 76, as described previously. The lid 24may include a closure member 64 having a closure member protrusion 66arranged to be received between a hinge connecting member 78 and one ofthe walls of the base 22. Advantageously, this arrangement remedies theneed for an additional base closure tab.

In operation, if the base 22 includes two base hinges 72 and 74, thebase hinge not used for pivotably mounting the lid 24 may be used tosecure the lid 24 in the closed position when the closure member 64 andthe closure member protrusion 66 come in contact with the hingeconnecting members 78. In one aspect, when the lid 24 pivots from thehinge 74, the lowest connecting member 78 on the right side is used toreceive the closure member 64 and the closure member protrusion 66. Whenthe lid 24 pivots from the hinge 72, the highest connecting member 78 onthe left side is used to receive the closure member 64 and the closuremember protrusion 66 since the lid 24 is rotated 180 degrees beforebeing secured to the hinge 72. Accordingly, it is seen that any numberof previously disclosed features may be incorporated while removing aclosure tab from the base 22 to further reduce costs and size of theweatherproof timer enclosure.

FIG. 17A through FIG. 18C illustrate a weatherproof timer enclosure 208in accordance with the present invention having a base 22 and a lid 24.The base 22 and lid 24 are selectively connectable at a left hinge 74 ora right hinge 72. The base 22 or lid 24 may also include a locking latch210 securable over a locking tab 212. The remaining features of theweatherproof timer enclosure 208 are similar to previously disclosedaspects and implementations and may include any of the features as maybe appropriate.

Hinges 72 and 74 are slightly modified from the other aspects and mayinclude plastic, metal or sheet metal components extending from both thebase 22 and the lid 24 to selectively mount the lid 24 to the base 22.Once the lid 24 is closed, locking latch 210 is rotated to surround thelocking tab 212. At this point, a lock or other removable securingmechanism may be inserted through the locking tab 212 to prevent the lid24 from being opened. Specifically, the arrangement with the lockinglatch 210 and the locking tab 212 prevents the locking latch 210 frombecoming unlocked. Further, hinge arrangements which would otherwisepermit access into the base 22 are unable to be opened when the lockinglatch 210 is secured since the locking latch is in direct contact withboth the base 22 and the lid 24. Accordingly, the locking latch 210 maybe incorporated into any of the previously disclosed aspects andimplementations to further limit access to the weatherproof timer whenthe lid is in the closed position.

It can thus be appreciated that the present invention contemplates anumber of features that may be incorporated in an enclosure, such as foruse in combination with a timer. The various features of the presentinvention as disclosed herein may be used alone independently of eachother, or in various combinations and some combinations as desired.

It should be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and arrangements of thecomponents set forth herein. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope ofthe present invention. It also being understood that the inventiondisclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations oftwo or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from thetext and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitutevarious alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodimentsdescribed herein explain the best modes known for practicing theinvention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize theinvention.

We claim:
 1. A weatherproof timer assembly comprising: a housingcomprising a base having a plurality of sidewalls and a rear wall, thebase sidewalls extending forward from the rear wall to an open front andincluding a first base sidewall and a second base sidewall locatedopposite each other; a lid having a plurality of sidewalls and a frontwall, the lid sidewalls extending rearward from the front wall; a hingearrangement interposed between the housing and the lid for pivotablymounting the lid to the housing for movement between open and closedpositions, wherein the hinge arrangement is configured for engagementwith the housing and the lid for providing pivoting movement of the lidin either a first direction or a second direction, wherein the hingearrangement comprises a first hinge portion associated with the firstbase sidewall, a second hinge portion associated with the second basesidewall, and a third hinge portion carried by the lid, wherein thethird hinge portion is engageable with the first hinge portion forproviding pivoting movement of the lid in a first direction between theopen and closed positions, and wherein the third hinge portion is alsoengageable with the second hinge portion for providing pivoting movementof the lid in a second direction opposite the first direction betweenthe open and closed positions; a releasable closure arrangementassociated with the housing and with the lid for releasably retainingthe lid in the closed position, wherein the releasable closurearrangement comprises a first closure portion located on the firsthousing sidewall adjacent the first hinge portion and a second closureportion located on the second housing sidewall adjacent the second hingeportion, and wherein the releasable closure arrangement furthercomprises a third closure portion carried by the lid and selectivelyengageable with the second closure portion when the third hinge portionof the lid is engaged with the first hinge portion and selectivelyengageable with the first closure portion when the third hinge portionof the lid is engaged with the second hinge portion; and a timerassembly positioned within the base.
 2. The weatherproof timer assemblyof claim 1, wherein the first and second hinge portions comprise axiallyextending first and second hinge connectors, respectively, and whereinthe third hinge portion comprises a hinge channel engageable with thehinge connectors.
 3. The weatherproof timer assembly of claim 2, whereinthe hinge channel is releasably engageable with the hinge connectors. 4.The weatherproof timer assembly of claim 2, wherein the hinge connectorsinclude a plurality of spaced apart hinge supports, and wherein thehinge channel includes clearance structure for receiving the spacedapart hinge supports.
 5. A weatherproof timer assembly comprising: ahousing comprising a base having a plurality of sidewalls and a rearwall, the base sidewalls extending forward from the rear wall to an openfront and including a first base sidewall and a second base sidewalllocated opposite each other; a lid having a plurality of sidewalls and afront wall, the lid sidewalls extending rearward from the front wall; ahinge arrangement interposed between the housing and the lid forpivotably mounting the lid to the housing for movement between open andclosed positions, wherein the hinge arrangement is configured forengagement with the housing and the lid for providing pivoting movementof the lid in either a first direction or a second direction, whereinthe hinge arrangement comprises a first hinge portion associated withthe first base sidewall, a second hinge portion associated with thesecond base sidewall, and a third hinge portion carried by the lid,wherein the third hinge portion is engageable with the first hingeportion for providing pivoting movement of the lid in a first directionbetween the open and closed positions, and wherein the third hingeportion is also engageable with the second hinge portion for providingpivoting movement of the lid in a second direction between the open andclosed positions, wherein the first and second hinge portions compriseaxially extending first and second hinge connectors, respectively, andwherein the third hinge portion comprises a hinge channel engageablewith the hinge connectors: a releasable closure arrangement associatedwith the housing and with the lid for releasably retaining the lid inthe closed position, wherein the releasable closure arrangementcomprises a first closure portion located on the first base sidewalladjacent the first hinge connectors and a second closure portion locatedon the second base sidewall adjacent the second hinge connectors, andwherein the releasable closure arrangement further comprises a thirdclosure portion carried by the lid and selectively engageable with thesecond closure portion when the third hinge portion of the lid isengaged with the first hinge connectors and selectively engageable withthe first closure portion when the third hinge portion of the lid isengaged with the second hinge connectors; and a timer assemblypositioned within the base.
 6. The weatherproof timer assembly of claim2, wherein the first hinge connectors are formed integrally with thefirst base sidewall and the second hinge connectors are formedintegrally with the second base sidewall.
 7. The weatherproof timerassembly of claim 1, wherein the first hinge portion comprises firsthinge barrel structure associated with the first base sidewall, thesecond hinge portion comprises second hinge barrel structure associatedwith the second base sidewall, the third hinge portion comprises thirdhinge barrel structure associated with the lid, and one or more hingepins, wherein the one or more hinge pins are engageable with the thirdhinge barrel structure and the first hinge barrel structure forproviding pivoting movement of the lid in the first direction, andwherein the one or more hinge pins are engageable with the third hingebarrel structure and the second hinge barrel structure for providingpivoting movement of the lid in the second direction.
 8. Theweatherproof timer assembly of claim 7, wherein at least one of the oneor more hinge pins includes a pin lock.
 9. The weatherproof timerassembly of claim 7, wherein the second hinge barrel structure isremovable from the second base sidewall when the one or more hinge pinssecure the first hinge barrel structure and the third hinge barrelstructure together, and wherein the first hinge barrel structure isremovable from the first base sidewall when the one or more hinge pinssecure the second hinge barrel structure and the third hinge barrelstructure together.
 10. The weatherproof timer assembly of claim 1,wherein the hinge arrangement comprises a removable hinge member,wherein the removable hinge member is engageable with selected ones ofthe base sidewalls and the lid sidewalls for providing pivoting movementof the lid between the open and closed positions in a desired direction.11. The weatherproof timer assembly of claim 10, wherein the removablehinge member comprises a pivot member and a pair of hinge connectingmembers, wherein the hinge connecting members are selectively securableto the selected ones of the base sidewalls and the lid sidewalls.
 12. Aweatherproof timer assembly comprising: a housing comprising a basehaving a plurality of sidewalls and a rear wall, the base sidewallsextending forward from the rear wall to an open front and including afirst base sidewall and a second base sidewall located opposite eachother; a lid having a plurality of sidewalls and a front wall, the lidsidewalls extending rearward from the front wall; a hinge arrangementinterposed between the housing and the lid for pivotably mounting thelid to the housing for movement between open and closed positions,wherein the hinge arrangement is configured for engagement with thehousing and the lid for providing pivoting movement of the lid in eithera first direction or a second direction, wherein the hinge arrangementcomprises a first fixed position hinge portion on the first basesidewall, a second fixed position hinge portion on the second basesidewall, and a third fixed position hinge portion on the lid, whereinthe third hinge portion is engageable with the first hinge portion forproviding pivoting movement of the lid in the first direction betweenthe open and closed positions, and wherein the third hinge portion isalso engageable with the second hinge portion for providing pivotingmovement of the lid in the second direction between the open and closedpositions; a releasable closure arrangement associated with the housingand with the lid for releasably retaining the lid in the closedposition; and a timer assembly positioned within the base.
 13. Theweatherproof timer assembly of claim 12, wherein the first and secondhinge portions comprise axially extending first and second hingeconnectors, respectively, and wherein the third hinge portion comprisesa hinge channel engageable with the hinge connectors.
 14. Theweatherproof timer assembly of claim 13, wherein the hinge channel isreleasably engageable with the hinge connectors.
 15. The weatherprooftimer assembly of claim 13, wherein the hinge connectors include aplurality of spaced apart hinge supports, and wherein the hinge channelincludes clearance structure for receiving the spaced apart hingesupports.
 16. The weatherproof timer assembly of claim 12, wherein thefirst hinge portion is formed integrally with the first housing sidewalland the second hinge portion is formed integrally with the secondhousing sidewall.
 17. The weatherproof timer assembly of claim 12,wherein the releasable closure arrangement comprises a first closureportion located on the first base sidewall adjacent the first hingeportion and a second closure portion located on the second base sidewalladjacent the second hinge portion, and wherein the releasable closurearrangement further comprises a third closure portion carried by the lidand selectively engageable with the second closure portion when thethird hinge portion of the lid is engaged with the first hinge portionand selectively engageable with the first closure portion when the thirdhinge portion of the lid is engaged with the second hinge portion.